In collaboration with Tatler China.

‘My passion for art and design began at a young age, and eventually led to a degree in graphic design at Central Saint Martins in London. I started collecting art in my mid 20s, when I first moved out on my own. I needed art to decorate my new home, so I bought a few pieces from artists who live and work in Hong Kong.

‘My initial exposure to the art world came through visiting Art Basel Hong Kong and attending various art lectures over the years. I then started visiting different galleries, which gradually helped me refine my taste in art. A trip to Hungary in 2017 marked a pivotal moment in my journey as an art enthusiast. During a visit to the Ludwig Museum, I was introduced to contemporary artists of the region. This sparked my interest in learning more about them, and I started visiting their studios.

‘Recognizing the lack of a comprehensive platform to showcase contemporary artists in Hungary and throughout Central and Eastern Europe, I wanted to establish a foundation and non-profit art space to fill this gap. My travels across Serbia, Poland, and the Czech Republic deepened my insight into what the local art scene needs, which also motivated me to begin collecting works from the region.

‘Since 2017, we have been working to establish Q Contemporary, my foundation in Budapest. While the pandemic limited my ability to oversee certain aspects in person, the dedication of our local team ensured a successful opening and the launch of our first exhibition in 2021, featuring pieces from my collection.

‘At least 70% to 80% of my travels are centered around art. Visiting artists’ studios has become an essential part of my trips, no matter the destination. We also make a point to explore emerging galleries, and museums are always on my itineraries. I love discovering new regions, so it’s likely my interests will continue to expand to other regions around the world.

‘One of my most memorable trips was visiting the Mark Rothko retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton last December. The power of his work left a lasting impression on me, and it was this energy that motivated me to visit Paris specifically to see it. I spent 2 to 3 hours in the gallery, taking in as many pieces as I could.

‘What made this exhibition particularly special was the inclusion of Rothko’s early works, showing how they evolved into the signature style we recognize today. A standout feature was the curatorial design: in a dimly lit room, each piece was illuminated by a single beam of light, allowing visitors to appreciate the subtle shifts in color and the layers built into Rothko’s paintings. It was an unforgettable experience.

When I acquire a piece I truly love, my husband and I usually celebrate together. If it is intended for our home in Hong Kong, we always discuss first, as we need to decide where it will be installed.

‘While you may recognize what is considered “good art,” it might not reflect your personal taste. If you buy art by simply following trends, you might find that a true connection with the piece can be lacking. Today, I only collect works that I genuinely love and have thoroughly researched, steering clear of impulsive or trendy purchases.

‘One artist who deeply resonates with me is Klára Hosnedlová from the Czech Republic. Her art seamlessly combines embroidery, painting, sculpture, and performance, often within immersive architectural installations. Her pieces are intricate, emotionally layered, and crafted with a delicate touch that captures both vulnerability and strength, creating an experience that I find profoundly moving.

‘Another artist who deserves recognition is Vera Molnár, a trailblazer in the field of computer art. As one of the first artists to experiment with algorithms in her creative process, she helped establish computer-generated art as a legitimate medium. Even in her later years, Molnár continues to explore new possibilities in art with the same pioneering spirit that has defined her entire career.

‘Art has brought remarkable friendships into my life. I met two people who have become incredibly important to me through art. The first is my husband. Not only are we partners in life, but we also share a business partnership. We met in 2017 in Shanghai at an art event, which proves how art brings like-minded people together. Together, we explored Central and Eastern Europe, and visit Art Basel Hong Kong and other fairs regularly. Whether at home or abroad, we make a point to visit artists' studios whenever possible.

‘The second is Márton Nemes, who represented Hungary at this year’s Venice Biennale. I met him in London in 2019 when he was still a student, and I’ve been collecting his works ever since. Our friendship has continued to grow over the years. In 2022, he encouraged my husband and I to open our own gallery, to continue supporting Hungarian artists, and bring more works from the region to be shown in Asia. It was his encouragement that led us to open our gallery in Hong Kong, showing his works for our first exhibition. Everything we do is based on the needs of the artists, helping them showcase their talents to a wider audience.

‘I plan to continue exhibiting most of my collection at Q Contemporary in Budapest. Over the next 5 years, our goal is to expand educational programs that delve into the stories and current situations of these artists and their regions, sharing them with the public.

‘This year, we’re also launching an artist residency in Budapest, providing a platform for artists to exchange ideas, share their talents, and inspire each other. I believe there is a need for greater cultural dialogue and exchange between countries. I hope to host more exciting exhibitions in both our spaces in Budapest and Hong Kong, and to introduce exceptional emerging and overlooked artists to the world.’